*Serena*
The dark king slowly walked towards me.
"What are you doing here?" The words left my mouth before I could think better of them, my voice sharp and accusing.
I hadn't meant to sound so confrontational, especially not when I was still reeling from the shock of seeing him. But the sight of King Zade standing there, calm and imposing as if he owned the entire garden—and me—stirred something in me that I couldn't control.
Zade didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stepped forward, his dark blue eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my heart race.
In his hand was the sword I had thrown at him, its blade glinting faintly in the soft light of the garden. He carried it with ease, as though it weighed nothing, and yet it seemed to command the space between us.
"I believe I asked you a question, your highness," I said, though my voice faltered slightly.
